Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Starting to see results :)

A while ago, I wrote about how I was eating healthier, and
feeling great about it. This was great, except I continued to eat portions that
were far larger than what I need. I was hardly losing weight, despite eating
healthier and feeling better from attending the gym. While I wasn’t admitting
this to many people out loud, this was frustrating me quite a bit.

As a result, I restricted my daily calories to 1200 in
November. When I did this I started to lose weight, however I was still eating
a lot – Sometimes I would be so hungry that I would sit down and eat an entire tray
of vegetables in one sitting. This would result in my being bloated and
uncomfortable, and usually an upset stomach as well. On days when I was not
doing this, I would be so hungry. It
just wasn’t quite working. But, I am determined. Over Christmas I increased my
calorie limit to 1500/day, to try to make it feel like I was limiting myself a
little less (and help prevent me from falling off the bandwagon). But as you
know from my post at the beginning of the year, this was difficult because I
didn’t want to ask everyone whose home I ate at for their recipes so that I could
track the calories, plus I wasn’t able to exercise as much. Luckily, I only
gained a pound over the holidays, even though it felt like I should have gained
several.

Long before the holidays began, I found a meal plan on
SparkPeople.com. I promised myself that in the new year, I would take advantage
of Gilles being away for school (and thus, not having to make meals for him
during the week), and try it out. I have been doing this. For those who have
been watching the ticker at the bottom of the page or reading my tweets, you’ll
know that it is working. Since I started this meal plan (A week ago today), I
have lost just over four lbs. This brings me to a total lost since the end of
November of 10 lbs! I know it is a far cry from the total of 85 that I want to
lose, but it is still great encouragement.

I also received some fitness games for my Wii for Christmas,
which I have begun to use regularly. This will help

me reach my goal of working
out for at least 20min/day on my off days from the gym.

For those of you who are wanting to lose weight but are new
at it, or just want to have some inspiration, there is a great blog out there –
priorfatgirl.com. I find her story very inspirational and have been an avid
reader of her blog for some time now.

Here’s where I make my promises:

1. I will continue to follow my meal plan until the
end of February. I may continue at 1200 cal/day, or may reduce that number to
1000, depending how I feel after a few weeks.

2. I will exercise as often as possible – at very
minimum, I will exercise every day that I am home.

3. I will work to improve my self-image, both
internally and externally. This includes many facets – not just weight. While
this is primarily a weight loss journey, I will take advantage of its momentum
to improve myself in other ways, even as simple as flossing daily.

I will continue to post results on here sporadically, as
well as keep the tickers at the bottom of the page updated. However, those who
want more immediate updates or who want to join me (or encourage me!) on this
journey, I recommend following my Twitter. My username is CParentSK. I will
likely make several comments here in between posts.

Finally – To myself, and all others who strive to become
healthier, better versions of themselves, I wish the best of luck, and an
unending determination.